Distant vacations are costly – economically and environmentally – but everybody needs an occasional break from the grind in order to maintain their sanity. Thanks to their new, low-cost, minimalist city cottage, the Palva family can take a vacation whenever they want! Although its small footprint ensures a small expenditure of natural resources, it also challenges the family to divvy up space so that everyone is comfortable.

This is achieved by giving the fixed furniture dual purposes – such as the sofas that can also be used as both beds and storage space – and with a kitchen area that is easily converted into homework space for the children. Even in the winter, solar energy provides the entire home with electricity, while the fetching wood-fired stove can crank out plenty of heat to keep this nature-loving family nice and warm during fierce winters.